The Role of Social Media Companies in the Regulation of Online Hate Speech

Abstract

This chapter is about online hate speech propagated via platforms operated by social media companies (SMCs). It examines the options open to states in forcing SMCs to take responsibility for the hateful content that appears on their sites. It examines the technological and legal context for imposing legal obligations on SMCs, and analyses initiatives in Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union and elsewhere. It argues that while SMCs can play a role in controlling online hate speech, there are limitations to what they can achieve.

Citation

Bakalis, C. and Hornle, J. (2021), "The Role of Social Media Companies in the Regulation of Online Hate Speech", Sarat, A. (Ed.) Studies in Law, Politics, and Society (Studies in Law, Politics, and Society, Vol. 85), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 75-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1059-433720210000085005